MTFCA Forum

Hi everyone,
I just finished installing new axle shafts in a Ruckstell differential and I’m wondering if I did right to use anti seize on the tapers. Evidently there has been some debate on the matter. I also installed new hubs. Any thoughts appreciated!

I don't think that's a good idea. The hub and axle are designed to be assembled clean and dry, with no rust, dirt, burrs, metal fragments, or any kind of lubricant between them. The key and key way also need to be clean and free of burrs.

I would advise against it.
The drive and brakes of a Model T rely on the hubs being locked to the axle without any motion.
They are supposed to lock on hard and be torqued up to greater than 75-80ft lbs of torque Minimum.
Others will say it needs to go even tighter than that.
Anything that makes it easier for the connection to slip while driving or braking I consider a bad idea.

If it slips and shears the axle key you are riding in a guided missile.
Mike

Anti seize will make removing the wheel easier, but that's not the game. The taper is meant to be dry, neat fitting and reliant on nil movement between components. That is what a taper joint is all about. Your doubts and subsequent question will have served you well.

Allan from down under.

Contrary info from a Ford text book, can't recall the source copied from

Anti-Seize and grease are not the same thing. Depending on the grade, Anti-Seize can have flaked mica, copper powder, or other other additives. Grease would simply be squeezed out of the taper joint, but Anti-Seize would leave behind its additives to impede the metal-to-metal contact that the taper joint depends on.

Using lubricant invites having the hub go too far onto the shaft, and it also risks the hub not being locked to the shaft, which it must be, or it will not stay that way. If the hub is easy to get off the shaft, it's too loose to stay tight in service. The axle and hub tapers must be accurately made with the proper surface finish to make a good connection. A hub or shaft that has been run loose is very likely to come loose again.

Thank you all who responded! Today I pulled the hubs off, cleaned off the anti seize, & put hubs back on dry & torqued to 100 ft. lbs. After I drive it a few miles I will recheck the torque. Then I’ll be ready for touring!

Harvey, it is a good idea to re-torque the axle nut after driving the car a bit. I always leave the hubcap off after pulling a wheel to reminds me to do the re-torque.

Allan from down under.